that he might tell others about supplying her with wine. She’d simply store it somewhere. She shuddered at the thought of her family discovering she’d been drinking. It was bad enough she’d begun accepting Lester’s gifts with the “just between us” agreement, but the drinking had gotten out of hand as the empty bottle proved this morning.
Lester returned with the wine, and Bonnie set it in the sideboard. Whatever would she do if Juanita found it? As soon as the Hillmans left and everyone was in bed, Bonnie would move the bottle upstairs.
“Please, no more,” she whispered. “I have no use for it.”
He chuckled. “Show me the full bottles, and I’ll stop bringing them.”
“This is the last time that I ask you politely to stop.”
“And how would the good reverend and his wife feel about your indulgence in spirits?”
A shiver raced up and down her arms. If Ben were alive, Lester would never speak to her in such a way. Voices from the kitchen seized her attention, and her thoughts flew to Zack.
“Six big fish,” Michael Paul said. “Where did you go?”
“Upstream a little,” Zack said. “Next time I’ll take you with me.”
Bonnie swallowed hard. How long before Michael Paul no longer sought her permission to do things? Suddenly life seemed to spin in all directions, as though she were a child’s toy. Her resolve from this morning flashed across her mind. She must reach out and grab hold of her life and those she loved. But how? Jesus, help me.
“Let’s see those fish,” Lester said. “I’m glad you allow Zack to do a few things on his own. He’s growing up, and a young man needs time to think about life and what he wants to do. I’d be glad to take him fishing or hunting.”
She clenched her fists. “Morgan and Grant can do those things.”
“But your brothers are busy men. Morgan’s law practice and Grant’s medical responsibilities don’t offer much time outside of their own families.”
“The reverend is looking forward to spending his days with the children.”
Lester smiled. She used to think he was a pleasing man to look at with dark eyes and hair like Ben. He and Sylvia had been through a rough time when he had fathered two boys by a woman who once owned the town’s brothel. The woman had left town with the children, and Lester had become more involved with church. He and Sylvia appeared happy, but Bonnie wondered. What would she do if he turned his affections to her? The possibility had not crept into her thoughts until tonight. His persistence with the wine alarmed her.
“I gave the reverend a sizable check this afternoon,” Lester said. “He said it would help with the orphans and widows—not you, of course.”
She despised the implication. This ended tonight.
I’m an Andrews. My daddy started the biggest ranch in the area before he died, and my mama built it on her own while raising three children.
If Mama did it, so can I.
*****
Travis had been in Kahlerville for two days. He’d been introduced to more people than he could remember. Most of them were skeptical about his new position, if not downright rude, and he understood taking the reverend’s place might ruffle a few feathers. Looked like he’d have to prove himself. The reverend had apologized more than once for the way he’d been treated, but each time Travis had reassured him that the transition would take time.
In a few short minutes, the reverend and Mrs. Rainer’s family were expected for dinner. He’d met Mrs. Kahler but not Morgan and Grant Andrews and their families. They were influential in the community, and he hoped to make them friends. The tantalizing aroma of roast beef and potatoes swirled up the stairs and moved him not to delay a moment longer. His stomach had rumbled for hours, and he’d spent a good bit of the afternoon in prayer for tonight. The sound of voices told him the time had come.
Travis made his way down the stairs and into the dining room. The reverend stood with his back to him amid a swarm of people. He saw Mrs. Kahler, but she was talking to another woman. Lord, help me here. He touched the reverend on his back. The introductions were about to begin.
“The food smells wonderful,” Travis said.
The reverend turned and grasped his hand. “Good. You’re here. Let me introduce you to everyone.”
“Do you think the new preacher is ready for us?” a man said. “After all, you’re asking him